Apple Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy

• 1/2 cupapple cider
• 1/2 cupwater
• 2organic chai tea bags
• 3small cinnamon sticks
• 1orange slice
•  cayenne pepper
•  Fine pink Himalayan salt
• 4 ozbourbon
• 2 tbspfresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsphoney
• 1/4 tsppure vanilla extract

Preparation

1. 1.

   In a small saucepan, bring the cider and water to a boil over high heat. Add the tea bags, 1 cinnamon stick, the orange slice, and a small pinch each of cayenne and salt. Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep until very fragrant and darker in color, about 10 minutes.

2. 2.

   Return the pan to medium heat and warm until steaming. Remove from the heat and add the bourbon, lemon juice, honey, and vanilla.

3. 3.

   Divide the drink between two mugs. Garnish each one with an apple slice, cinnamon stick, and star anise and serve immediately.

4. 4.

   Make it a mocktailOmit the bourbon; replace with additional apple cider.